SAIEVAC believes that violence includes all forms of physical or mental violence, injury and abuse, neglect and negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. This definition covers exposure of children to violence in all settings including in their home, communities, schools, institutions, workplaces, and as well in development and emergency settings. Violence is also understood to occur not only between adults and children but also between children. SAIEVAC also strongly takes into account Gender aspects of violence such as the different risks and consequences of violence for boys and girls. All children within the jurisdiction of SAIEVAC member States regardless of their sex, race, colour, language, religion, caste, class, disability or other status, national or social origin, political or other opinion should be protected from all forms of violence and discrimination.